Everton legend Kendall: Howard best we've had since Southall

Everton legend Howard Kendall has hailed the form this season of Tim Howard.

Everton legend Howard Kendall has hailed the form this season of Tim Howard.

Kendall wrote in the Liverpool Echo: "Itâ€™s not just the new manager who has shaken things up and inspired his players, itâ€™s his coaching staff too; in this case the new goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara.

"No disrespect or criticism intended whatsoever to Chris Woods, the previous keeping coach, but it can boost a player to have a new face, new ideas and new methods of training.

"It is a very individual position on the field, and keepers need to be kept on their toes.

"I remember with Neville Southall, he would only work with a coach he liked â€“ if he didnâ€™t get along with them he didnâ€™t want to know.

"Alan Kelly eventually had a stand named after him at Preston North End, and when I brought him to Everton, he and Neville hit it off famously.

"He managed to get the best from Neville, and it was immeasurably beneficial to us as a team.

"Hopefully Howardâ€™s form continues like this all season.

"He knows thereâ€™s a talented young Spaniard hoping to pinch his place as number one but it only drives him on.

"I think heâ€™s been a tremendous signing for the Blues and Iâ€™ve never been one to slate him, itâ€™s always baffled me on the rare occasions people have had a moan.

"For my money, Tim is possibly the best goalkeeper Everton have had since Big Nev and I canâ€™t give him any higher acclaim than that."